FAA Intends To Clarify Experience Requirement For Inspector Authorization

Nov. 15, 2010. In a notice of proposed policy, the FAA intents to clarify the definition of "actively engaged" for the purposes of evaluating applications for Inspector Authorizations (IA).

In the current list of requirements, the FAA states that an applicant must have been "actively involved" in maintaining aircraft certificated and maintained in accordance with FAA regulations. However, it lacks the necessary clarification on what qualifies as "actively engaged," leading to a substantial amount of confusion. In the newly proposed policy amendment, the FAA addresses the issue by adding language intended to help clarify the requirement. The new policy language, if adopted, will assist aviation safety inspectors (ASI) in making the appropriate determination when assessing IA applications, as well as prevent applicants' confusion. Under the new language, those holding supervisory positions and as such are not actively engaged in maintenance activities, would not be permitted to retain their IA. The FAA intends for the new policy to go in effect for the next IA renewal cycle in March 2011.

Comments on the proposed policy must be submitted by December 6, 2010. NATA is concerned with the proposed language and intends to provide its own comments later this week.